JP6836107B2 - Work instruction system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a work instruction system.

A production facility composed of a plurality of processing machines (for example, machine tools, industrial robots, etc.) is executed according to a production plan for a plurality of objects. Here, the production equipment includes a fully automated equipment in which a worker is not involved at all and a non-fully automated equipment in which a worker is involved. In the non-fully automated equipment, in order to perform processing by a plurality of processing machines, the worker may perform operations such as setup change of the processing machine, loading / unloading of an object, and start operation of the processing machine.

Therefore, based on the production plan, a process plan in which the execution order regarding the processing by the plurality of processing machines and the work by the workers on the plurality of processing machines is defined is determined, and the workers execute the work according to the process plan. As the work by the worker in the process plan, for example, the setup of the processing machine is executed, the object is carried into the processing machine, and the operation of starting the processing machine is executed in this order, and then the processing by the processing machine is executed.

When the number of processing machines constituting the equipment is large, a plurality of workers are in charge of the equipment. And the work ability differs depending on the worker. Some skilled workers can perform all tasks, while others are immature workers who can only perform specific tasks. In addition, the time required for the work differs depending on the worker. Here, in the process plan, the work by the worker is generally determined based on the standard working time. However, an inexperienced worker may take a longer working time than a standard working time, which may cause a delay in the process plan. Therefore, it is required to determine which worker should perform which work according to the proficiency level of the worker.

By the way, Patent Document 1 describes an autonomous cooperative control device that improves communication efficiency between workers and efficiency of selection of workers and performs high-speed task processing. This device is a work flow management means that determines a work procedure from the state of a controlled object and manages its execution, and a work execution means that divides the work instructed by the work flow management means into tasks and manages the task processing. And, the processing capacity determination means that supports the processing control of the task by comparing the attribute of the task and the ability of the worker in the system during the processing control of the task in the work execution means, and the result of execution completion by the work execution means. Based on this, it is provided with a learning means for changing the ability value of each worker.

Patent Document 2 describes a management device that allocates work to a plurality of workers, each having its own ability. The management device determines the participating worker determination unit that determines the first worker to participate in the work, the work to be executed by the first worker, and the instruction that specifies the instruction to be followed when executing the work. It is provided with an instruction determination unit for issuing an instruction and a notification unit for notifying the first worker of the instruction. The instruction determination unit compares the estimated time with a predetermined threshold value, the provisional determination unit for determining the provisional instruction, the estimated time acquisition unit for acquiring the estimated time for the first worker to complete the work of the provisional instruction, and the estimated time. Then, when it is decided to change the content of the provisional command and the changeability decision unit that decides whether to change the content of the provisional command, the provisional decision unit is made to decide a new provisional command, and the provisional command When it is decided not to change the content, it has an optimization unit that determines the provisional command as a command to notify the first worker.

Patent Document 3 describes an education support device that contributes to efficiently educating workers depending on the situation. The education support device includes an ability information acquisition unit for acquiring ability information regarding the ability of one or more workers, and a work history acquisition unit for acquiring work history information regarding the work history of one or two or more workers. Education of education contents for each worker based on the work request history acquisition department that acquires work request history information regarding work requests from one or more customers, ability information, work history information, and work request history information. It is equipped with an education priority determination unit that determines priorities.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-96011 JP-A-2015-108867 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-178449

For non-fully automated equipment composed of multiple processing machines, when the process plan is determined and multiple workers are in charge, appropriate work instructions are given to each of the multiple workers. Is required to do. However, the device described in the above patent document cannot be applied because the subject matter is different.

An object of the present invention is to provide a work instruction system for equipment provided with a plurality of processing machines, which can appropriately give work instructions to each of a plurality of workers to the plurality of processing machines.

The work instruction system according to the present invention is a work instruction system that targets equipment provided with a plurality of processing machines and gives work instructions to each of a plurality of workers to the plurality of processing machines. Based on the process plan storage unit that stores the process plan in which the execution order for the processing by the plurality of processing machines and the work by the operator on the plurality of processing machines is defined, the current state of the plurality of processing machines, and the process plan, the operator The next work candidate extraction unit that extracts the next work candidate, the ability database that stores the work ability for each work type for each worker and the plurality of work types, and the ability database that stores the work ability. It is provided with a next work determination unit that determines the next work for a predetermined worker from the next work candidates based on the work ability.

The process plan defines the execution order of processing by a plurality of processing machines and work by a worker on a plurality of processing machines. For example, the process plan for the first processing machine is defined as A work by the worker → B processing by the first processing machine → C work by the worker → D processing by the first processing machine. The same applies to other processing machines. Since the equipment includes a plurality of processing machines, the process plan for the entire equipment is such that the processing for the plurality of processing machines is executed in parallel and the work for each processing machine is also executed in parallel. It is a plan.

Therefore, when viewed as a whole facility, for example, there are cases where the A work should be executed continuously, and there are cases where the A work and the C work should be executed alternately. In addition, there are cases where a plurality of A operations should be performed at the same time. Therefore, the next work candidate extraction unit according to the present invention determines, for example, the next work candidate by the worker at the present time. Then, the next work decision unit decides the next work for a predetermined worker from the next work candidates.

However, in determining the next work, the next work decision unit considers the work capacity stored in the capacity database. In the ability database, the work ability for each work type is stored for each worker with respect to a plurality of workers and a plurality of work types. For example, the A work may be executed by a plurality of workers, and the C work may be executed only by a specific worker. Such information is stored in the capability database.

That is, the next work determination unit determines the next work for a predetermined worker from the next work candidates according to the work ability of the worker. For example, when there are A work that can be executed by a predetermined worker and C work that cannot be performed by a predetermined worker as the work to be performed at present, the predetermined worker is instructed to perform the A work. However, other workers can be instructed to perform the C work. In this way, when the predetermined worker is ready to perform the next work, the predetermined worker is instructed to perform the work that the predetermined worker can perform.

It is a layout drawing of the equipment of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the equipment. It is a figure which shows the operation procedure and display contents at the start of work in the worker terminal (home terminal, mobile terminal, operation panel) of FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation procedure and display contents at the time of work completion in the worker terminal (home terminal, mobile terminal, operation panel) of FIG. The configuration of the management device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown. The contents displayed on the display device of FIG. 4, the initial process plan, the process result, and the update process plan (planned plan) are displayed. It is a flowchart which shows the process by the process plan update part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the first example of the work ability of a worker stored in the ability database of FIG. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the work ability of a worker stored in the ability database of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process by the work start time estimation part in the work state acquisition part of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process by the work completion time estimation part in the work state acquisition part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the information acquired by the all worker state acquisition part of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process by the next work decision part of FIG.

(1. Configuration of equipment 1)
The configuration of the equipment 1 as the work instruction system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The work instruction system is a system that gives work instructions to each of a plurality of workers to the plurality of processing machines MC1-MC8. The target equipment 1 is, for example, a production equipment that produces various objects, a distribution equipment that transports the objects, and the like. In the present embodiment, the equipment 1 is, for example, a production equipment for machining. Further, the equipment 1 is a non-fully automated equipment in which a worker is involved. That is, the equipment 1 does not automatically operate all the processing of the processing machines MC1-MC8 constituting the equipment 1, but requires the work by the operator for each processing machine MC1-MC8.

As shown in FIG. 1, the equipment 1 includes eight processing machines MC1-MC8, a home terminal HP, a plurality of mobile terminals W, and a management device M. The object of production is, for example, a cylindrical member.

The processing machines MC1-MC8 are machine tools such as a machining center, a lathe, and a grinding machine, and the order of the processing machines MC1 to MC8 is the process order. The processing machines MC1-MC8 are arranged in two rows, and the processing machines MC1-MC8 in each row are arranged so that the front surfaces face each other.

The processing machines MC1-MC8 are, in order, a lathe for roughing the outer shape, a grinding machine for intermediate finishing of the outer shape, a grinding machine for roughing the inner shape, a grinding machine for intermediate finishing of the inner shape, and a straight outer shape. A grinding machine that finishes the part, a grinding machine that finishes the tapered part of the outer shape, a grinding machine that finishes the straight part of the inner shape, and a grinding machine that finishes the tapered part of the inner shape.

The home terminal HP is installed at the home position P of the equipment 1. The home position P is a reference position of the equipment 1 and is a position defined from the viewpoint of work. Here, the home terminal HP is a device for giving a work instruction to a worker and inputting work start information and work completion information by the worker. The worker performs input processing on the home terminal HP each time the work is started and completed. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the moving distance of the worker, the home position P where the home terminal HP is installed is set to be near the center of the entire equipment 1. The home position P where the home terminal HP is installed is not limited to the vicinity of the center of the equipment 1, but is appropriately determined according to the arrangement of the processing machines MC1-MC8 constituting the equipment 1.

The mobile terminal W has the same function as the home terminal HP and is a terminal that can be carried by an operator. That is, the mobile terminal W is a device for giving a work instruction to the worker and inputting the work start information and the work completion information by the worker. The mobile terminal W may be either a handy type or a wearable type. Examples of handy types include non-wearable devices such as tablets, mobile phones and smartphones. Examples of wearing types include arm band type, eyeglass type, earphone type, and helmet mounting type.

Here, since the home terminal HP and the mobile terminal W have the same functions, either one can be selectively used. When both are used, for example, an inexperienced worker can use only the home terminal HP, and a skilled worker can use both the home terminal HP and the mobile terminal. As will be described later, when the mobile terminal W is used, the working time as one of the working abilities is estimated, so that the working abilities of the worker cannot be accurately grasped. Therefore, it is preferable to enable the mobile terminal W to be used until the working ability of the worker becomes stable to some extent, that is, when the worker becomes a skilled worker.

The management device M manages the processing by the processing machines MC1-MC8 and the work by the operator on the processing machines MC1-MC8. Specifically, the management device M has an operation record grasping function, an update process plan creation function, and a next work instruction function for the operator. The management device M is connected to the processing machines MC1-MC8 and the home terminal HP by a wired or wireless communication network. The management device M is connected to the mobile terminal W by a wireless communication network.

(2. Internal configuration of processing machine MC, home terminal HP and mobile terminal W)
Next, the internal configurations of the processing machines MC1-MC8, the home terminal HP, and the mobile terminal W will be described with reference to FIG.

The processing machines MC1-MC8 include a machine body 11, a control device 12, and an operation panel 13. The operation panel 13 includes an input unit 13a and a display unit 13b. The home terminal HP includes an input unit 21 and a display unit 22. The mobile terminal W includes an input unit 31, a display unit 32, and a position sensor 33. The input unit 13a of the operation panel 13, the input unit 21 of the home terminal HP, and the input unit 31 of the mobile terminal W are, for example, a touch panel capable of input by touch operation, a mechanical button, and the like. The position sensor 33 of the mobile terminal W is a sensor for recognizing the position of the mobile terminal W itself in the equipment 1, and is, for example, a GPS sensor.

(3. Configuration and operation procedure of worker terminals 13, HP, W)
Since the operation panel 13, the home terminal HP, and the mobile terminal W are devices for giving instructions to the worker and performing input processing by the worker, they are collectively referred to as the worker terminal 13, HP, and W below. Refer to. The configurations of the worker terminals 13, HP, and W will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the worker terminals 13, HP, and W have a work display column 41 for displaying the next work or the current work, a candidate column 42 for displaying a list of next work candidates, and a work. It is provided with an input field 43 for displaying a person name button, a work start button, a completion button, and a cancel button for each worker.

In the work display column 41, the processing machines MC1-MC8 to be worked and the work type are described. Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the work display column 41 functions as a column for instructing the worker who is about to start the next work to perform the next work, and as shown in FIG. 3B, the current work is completed. It functions as a column for displaying the current work to the worker who is going to process.

In the candidate column 42, the work that can be executed by the worker (hereinafter referred to as the next work candidate) is displayed, and the processing machines MC1-MC8 to be worked and the work type are described. Further, in the candidate column 42, when a plurality of next work candidates are displayed, the priority order is also displayed.

Next, when the worker starts the next work, the operation procedure by the worker will be described with reference to FIG. 3A. Here, in the candidate column 42 of the worker terminals 13, HP, and W, the next work candidate that can be executed at present is always displayed. Then, the worker who is not currently working touches his / her own worker name button on the worker terminal 13, HP, W (shown in (1) of FIG. 3A). Then, the next work is displayed in the work display column 41 of the worker terminals 13, HP, and W (shown in (2) of FIG. 3A). This next work is one of the next work candidates displayed in the candidate column 42. That is, the worker is instructed to perform the next work by the worker terminals 13, HP, and W. Subsequently, the operator touches the start button (shown in (3) of FIG. 3A) and starts the next work instructed.

Next, when the worker currently completes the work, the operation procedure by the worker will be described with reference to FIG. 3B. A worker who has completed the work on the processing machines MC1-MC8 touches his / her own worker name button on the worker terminals 13, HP, and W (shown in (1) of FIG. 3B). Then, the work currently being performed is displayed in the work display column 41 of the worker terminals 13, HP, and W (shown in (2) of FIG. 3B). That is, the worker can confirm the work currently being performed in the work display column 41. Subsequently, the operator touches the completion button (shown in (3) of FIG. 3B) or receives a signal from the processing machines MC1-MC8 or the like to completely complete the work currently being performed.

(4. Outline of management device M)
Next, the outline of the management device M will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the management device M includes a process plan storage unit 51, a machine state acquisition unit 52, an execution worker acquisition unit 53, a position information acquisition unit 54, a work state acquisition unit 55, a process result storage unit 56, and a capability. It includes a database 57, a next work candidate extraction unit 58, an all worker status acquisition unit 59, a next work determination unit 60, an initial process plan acquisition unit 61, a process plan update unit 62, a display device 63, and a work type acquisition unit 64.

Among the units constituting the management device M, the machine state acquisition unit 52 acquires information on the current state (operating state) of the processing machine MC1-MC8 from the control device 12 of the processing machine MC1-MC8. Further, the execution worker acquisition unit 53, the position information acquisition unit 54, and the work state acquisition unit 55 acquire information on the execution worker, position information, and work status from the worker terminals 13, HP, and W. .. The execution worker acquisition unit 53 acquires the information of the worker corresponding to the touched worker name button on the worker terminals 13, HP, and W as the execution worker. That is, the execution worker acquisition unit 53 acquires the ID information (worker's name, etc.) of the worker who executes the work. The other part that constitutes the management device M is a part that performs processing in the management device M, and will be described in detail later.

Here, as described above, the management device M has an operation record grasping function, an update process plan creation function, and a next work instruction function for the operator. The operation record grasping function is composed of a process plan storage unit 51, a machine state acquisition unit 52, a work state acquisition unit 55, a process record storage unit 56, a display device 63, and a work type acquisition unit 64.

The update process plan creation function is composed of a process plan storage unit 51, a process result storage unit 56, an initial process plan acquisition unit 61, and a process plan update unit 62. The next work instruction function for the worker includes a process plan storage unit 51, a machine state acquisition unit 52, an execution worker acquisition unit 53, a position information acquisition unit 54, a work state acquisition unit 55, an ability database 57, and a next work candidate extraction unit 58. , All worker status acquisition unit 59, and next work determination unit 60.

(5. Operation record grasping function)
The function of grasping the operation record of the management device M will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. First, the initial process plan, the process result, and the update process plan used for the function of grasping the operation record will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 shows the contents displayed on the display device 63. FIG. 5 shows a pacemaker representing the current time, an initial process plan for each object stored in the process plan storage unit 51, an update process plan for each object stored in the process plan storage unit 51, and process result storage. The process results for each object stored in the unit 56 are displayed. The objects 1a, 1b, and 1c are objects of the same type, and the objects 2a, 2b, and 2c are objects of the same type. Here, the object is a production object (workpiece, assembly, etc.) in the production equipment, and a distribution object (transported object) in the distribution equipment. Further, the objects 1a, 1b, 1c, the objects 2a, 2b, 2c, and the object 3 are different objects.

Here, the process plan is a plan in which the execution order regarding the processing by the plurality of processing machines MC1-MC8 and the work by the operator on the plurality of processing machines is defined. The initial process plan and the updated process plan are stored in the process plan storage unit 51. The initial process plan is predetermined by the administrator based on the production plan of the object. Further, the initial process plan is a process plan set based on the working time by a worker having a standard working ability. The update process plan is a process plan in which the initial process plan is updated according to the operation record of the processing machine and the work record of the worker. The process results represent the processing results by the processing machines MC1-MC8 and the work results by the operator. The process results are stored in the process results storage unit 56.

In FIG. 5, it can be seen from the display of the pacemaker that the current time is around 23:30. The initial process plan is displayed in the initial plan column for each object in FIG. In the initial plan column, the white solid line frame is the work by the operator, and the hatching solid line frame is the work by the processing machines MC1-MC8.

The process results are the white solid line frame and the hatching solid line frame in the actual result schedule column for each object in FIG. In the actual result schedule column, the white solid line frame is the work result by the worker, and the hatching solid line frame is the processing result by the processing machines MC1-MC8. The update process plan is a white broken line frame and a hatched broken line frame in the actual result schedule column for each object in FIG. The white dashed line frame is the scheduled work by the operator, and the hatched broken line frame is the scheduled work by the processing machines MC1-MC8. Here, in FIG. 5, blackening is a process performed by the processing machines MC1-MC8 currently being executed or a work performed by an operator. Further, the gap between the frames is a time zone in which neither processing by the processing machines MC1-MC8 nor work by the operator is performed.

Here, the process record storage unit 56 stores the processing record by the processing machines MC1-MC8 and the work record by the operator. The processing results by the processing machines MC1-MC8 are information acquired by the machine state acquisition unit 52. The machine state acquisition unit 52 acquires the current state (operating state) of the processing machine MC1-MC8 from the control device 12 of the processing machine MC1-MC8.

Further, the work record by the worker is information acquired by the work state acquisition unit 55 and the work type acquisition unit 64. The work state acquisition unit 55 acquires information on the work state by the worker as one of the work results. Here, the information on the work state by the worker is the work start time, the work completion time, and the information on whether the work is in progress or the work is completed.

Further, the work type acquisition unit 64 acquires the work type to be executed by the worker as one of the work results. The work type acquisition unit 64 acquires the work type by acquiring the next work determined by the next work determination unit 60, which will be described later. The details of the processing of the work state acquisition unit 55 and the processing of the next work determination unit 60 will be described later.

(6. Update process plan creation function)
Next, the function of creating the update process plan of the management device M will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. The update process plan creation function is composed of a process plan storage unit 51, a process result storage unit 56, an initial process plan acquisition unit 61, and a process plan update unit 62.

The initial process plan acquisition unit 61 acquires the initial process plan stored in the process plan storage unit 51. The process plan update unit 62 updates as shown by the broken line frame in FIG. 5 based on the initial process plan acquired by the initial process plan acquisition unit 61 and the process results stored in the process result storage unit 56. Create a process plan.

Specifically, the process by the process plan update unit 62 is shown in FIG. The update unit 62 acquires the initial process plan from the initial process plan acquisition unit 61 (S1). Subsequently, the update unit 62 determines whether or not the record stored in the process record storage unit 56 has been updated (S2). If the actual result has not been updated, the update unit 62 repeats the determination process until it is updated (S2: No).

On the other hand, if the actual result is updated, the update unit 62 updates the process plan based on the process actual result (S3). Subsequently, the update unit 62 determines whether or not all of the process plans have been executed, and if not, returns to S2 and repeats the process (S4: No). On the other hand, the update unit 62 ends the process if all of the process plans are executed (S4: Yes).

That is, when the process result is delayed with respect to the initial process plan, the process plan update unit 62 determines the future process plan in consideration of this delay. At this time, the working time by the worker is set based on the working time by the worker having a standard working ability.

(7. Ability database 57)
Next, the capacity database 57 used for the next work instruction function for the operator of the management device M will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. FIG. 7A is the capacity database 57 of the first example, and FIG. 7B is the capacity database 57 of the second example.

The ability database 57 stores the work ability for each work type for each worker with respect to the plurality of workers and the plurality of work types. The work types include, for example, setup, trial machining, and abnormality recovery processing. Further, each information is stored for each processing machine MC1-MC8.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the capacity database 57 of the first example has information on whether or not each worker can execute the corresponding work type. In the figure, a circle indicates that the work type can be worked, and a cross indicates that the work type cannot be worked. The worker A can work on all work types, while the workers B, C, and D can work on only some work types.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the ability database 57 of the second example includes the proficiency level for the corresponding work type, assuming that each worker can work or not. For example, the ability database 57 of the second example shows whether each worker has a standard ability or higher or does not have a standard ability as a proficiency level when each worker can work. In the figure, ◯ indicates that the work type has the standard ability or higher, Δ indicates that the standard ability is not possessed, and × indicates that the work type cannot be executed.

(8. Processing by work state acquisition unit 55)
The processing by the work state acquisition unit 55 used for the next work instruction function and the operation state grasping function for the operator by the management device M will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 8 and 9. The work state acquisition unit 55 includes a work start time estimation unit 55a and a work completion time estimation unit 55b.

As shown in FIG. 8, the work start time estimation unit 55a determines whether or not the start information has been acquired by the worker terminals 13, HP, and W (S11). That is, the estimation unit 55a determines whether or not the worker has touched the start button shown in FIG. 3A of the worker terminals 13, HP, and W. When the start information is acquired, the estimation unit 55a determines whether the operated worker terminal is the home terminal HP (S12) or the mobile terminal W if it is not the home terminal HP (S13).

When the worker operates the home terminal HP (S12: Yes), the estimation unit 55a sets the current time when the start button is touched as the start time (S14). When the worker operates the mobile terminal W (S12: No → S13: Yes), the estimation unit 55a acquires the position information of the mobile terminal W acquired by the position information acquisition unit 54 (S15). Subsequently, the estimation unit 55a estimates the movement time of the worker based on the standard movement speed of the worker and the distance from the current position of the mobile terminal W to the home position P (S16). The standard moving speed of the worker is preset. Subsequently, the estimation unit 55a estimates the time obtained by adding the estimated travel time to the current time as the start time (S17).

When the operator operates the operation panel 13 (S12: No → S13: No), the estimation unit 55a determines the standard moving speed of the operator and the distance from the position of the operated operation panel 13 to the home position P. Based on the above, the moving time of the worker is estimated (S18). Subsequently, the estimation unit 55a estimates the time obtained by adding the estimated travel time to the current time as the start time (S19).

As shown in FIG. 9, the work completion time estimation unit 55b determines whether the completion information has been acquired by the worker terminals 13, HP, and W (S21). That is, the estimation unit 55b determines whether or not the worker has touched the completion button shown in FIG. 3B of the worker terminals 13, HP, and W. When the completion information is acquired, the estimation unit 55b determines whether the operated worker terminal is the home terminal HP (S22) or the mobile terminal W if it is not the home terminal HP (S23).

When the worker operates the home terminal HP (S22: Yes), the estimation unit 55b sets the current time when the completion button is touched as the completion time (S24). When the worker operates the mobile terminal W (S22: No → S23: Yes), the estimation unit 55b acquires the position information of the mobile terminal W acquired by the position information acquisition unit 54 (S25). Subsequently, the estimation unit 55b estimates the movement time of the worker based on the standard movement speed of the worker and the distance from the current position of the mobile terminal W to the home position P (S26). Subsequently, the estimation unit 55b estimates the time obtained by adding the estimated travel time to the current time as the completion time (S27).

When the operator operates the operation panel 13 (S22: No → S23: No), the estimation unit 55b determines the standard movement speed of the operator and the distance from the position of the operated operation panel 13 to the home position P. Based on the above, the moving time of the worker is estimated (S28). Subsequently, the estimation unit 55b estimates the time obtained by adding the estimated travel time to the current time as the completion time (S29).

(9. Information acquired by the all worker status acquisition unit 59)
The processing by the all worker state acquisition unit 59 used for the next work instruction function to the worker by the management device M will be described with reference to FIG. The all worker state acquisition unit 59 receives information on the execution worker acquired by the execution worker acquisition unit 53 and the work state acquired by the work state acquisition unit 55. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the all worker state acquisition unit 59 sets the input time of the work start information and the estimated time of the work start based on the home position (HP work start estimated time) for each worker. , The input time of the work completion information, and the estimated time of the work completion based on the home position (HP work completion estimated time).

Further, the all worker state acquisition unit 59 has information on whether the worker is in the process of working or is in the state of completing the work. The all-worker status acquisition unit 59 determines that the work is in progress if it has not been completed after the work has been started, and determines that the work has been completed if it has not been started after the work has been completed.

Further, the all-worker state acquisition unit 59 has an estimated time at which the working worker completes the instructed work. At this time, the all worker state acquisition unit 59 acquires the work type instructed to the worker from the next work determination unit 60, and calculates the predicted time in consideration of the standard work time according to the work type.

Here, in FIG. 10, the worker A is working, and the work start input time and the HP work start estimated time are the same time. That is, the worker A uses the home terminal HP to perform the work start operation. In addition, the worker C also uses the home terminal HP to perform the work completion operation. On the other hand, the worker D has a different work start input time and an HP work start estimated time. That is, the worker D operates using the mobile terminal W or the operation panel 13. The same applies to worker B.

(10. Next work instruction function)
Next, the next work instruction function for the operator by the management device M will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 4 and 11. The next work instruction function for the worker includes a process plan storage unit 51, a machine state acquisition unit 52, an execution worker acquisition unit 53, a position information acquisition unit 54, a work state acquisition unit 55, an ability database 57, and a next work candidate extraction unit 58. , All worker status acquisition unit 59, and next work determination unit 60.

As shown in FIG. 4, the next work candidate extraction unit 58 captures the current states of the plurality of processing machines MC1-MC8 acquired by the machine state acquisition unit 52 and the process plan stored in the process plan storage unit 51. get. Then, the next work candidate extraction unit 58 extracts the next work candidate to be performed by the worker based on the current state and the process plan of the processing machines MC1-MC8. The next work candidate is a work that currently requires work by an operator for the entire equipment 1. The next work candidate is displayed in the candidate column 42 of the worker terminals 13, HP, and W in FIG. 3A. When the next work candidate extraction unit 58 extracts a plurality of next work candidates, the next work candidate extraction unit 58 determines the order of the plurality of next work candidates. The ranking is also displayed in the candidate column 42 of FIG. 3A.

Next, the next work determination unit 60 determines the next work for a predetermined worker. The processing by the next work determination unit 60 will be described with reference to FIG. The determination unit 60 determines whether or not the execution worker has been acquired from the execution worker acquisition unit 53 (S31). That is, when any worker touches the worker button on the worker terminals 13, HP, or W, the determination unit 60 determines that the execution worker has been acquired.

The determination unit 60 does not proceed with the process unless the execution worker is acquired (S31: No). On the other hand, if the execution worker is acquired (S31: Yes), the determination unit 60 acquires the status of the execution worker from the all worker status acquisition unit 59 (S32). Then, the determination unit 60 determines whether or not the state of the execution worker is the work completion state (S33). If it is not in the work completion state (S33: No), the determination unit 60 returns to S31 and repeats the process.

On the other hand, if the work is completed (S33: Yes), the next work candidate extracted by the next work candidate extraction unit 58 is acquired (S34). Subsequently, the determination unit 60 acquires the work ability of the execution worker from the ability database 57 (S35). Subsequently, the determination unit 60 acquires the status of another worker from the all worker status acquisition unit 59 (S36). For example, the determination unit 60 acquires whether another worker is currently in a state where the next work can be started, or whether the other worker is in a state where the work will be completed soon. Subsequently, the determination unit 60 acquires the work ability of another worker from the ability database 57 (S37).

Finally, the determination unit 60 determines the next work for the execution worker based on the next work candidate, the work ability of the execution worker, the state of the other worker, and the work ability of the other worker (S38). The determination unit 60 determines whether or not the next work candidate in the higher rank can be worked by the execution worker, and sets the workable next work candidate as the next work of the execution worker. However, if the work can be started by other workers, the next work of the execution worker is determined in consideration of the work ability of the execution worker and the work ability of the other worker. ..

For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the worker A can work in all work types, but the workers B, C, and D can work in only some work types. When deciding the next work of the worker A, it is assumed that the worker B is in a state where the next work can be started at present, or a state in which the worker B can start the next work soon. At this time, if the work type that both the worker A and the worker B can work on is the next work candidate of the higher rank, the determination unit 60 sets the next work candidate of the lower rank as the next work for the worker A. And. The next work candidate of the higher rank can be instructed as the next work of the worker B, but the next work candidate of the lower rank may not be instructed as the next work of the worker B. Therefore, the next work candidate in the upper order is the next work for the worker B, and the next work candidate in the lower order is the next work for the worker A, so that the next work candidate can be efficiently executed.

However, when determining the next work candidate in the lower rank as the next work, the process plan is considered. If the next work candidate of the lower rank is determined as the next work of the worker and there is a risk of delay in the process plan, the next work candidate of the lower rank is not set as the next work of the worker, but the next work candidate of the lower rank is also the higher rank. The next work candidate of is set as the next work of the worker.

Further, if there is no delay in the process plan, the next work determination unit 60 can determine the next work for the worker having a work capacity lower than the standard capacity. In FIG. 5, the gap between the frames is a time zone in which neither the processing by the processing machines MC1-MC8 nor the work by the operator is performed. That is, by using this blank time, the next work determination unit 60 can set the work time longer than the standard work time to allow a margin, and can provide education to workers with low work ability.

(11. Effect of Embodiment)
The work instruction function (corresponding to the work instruction system) of the management device M according to the above embodiment targets the equipment 1 provided with the plurality of processing machines MC1-MC8, and each of the plurality of workers for the plurality of processing machines MC1-MC8. Give work instructions to.

The work instruction function of the management device M includes a process plan storage unit 51 that stores a process plan in which an execution order for processing by a plurality of processing machines MC1-MC8 and work by a worker on a plurality of processing machines MC1-MC8 is defined. , Next work candidate extraction unit 58 that extracts the next work candidate performed by the worker based on the current state and process plan of the plurality of processing machines MC1-MC8, and each worker with respect to the plurality of workers and the plurality of work types. The ability database 57 that stores the work capacity for each work type, and the next work determination unit 60 that determines the next work for a predetermined worker from the next work candidates based on the work capacity stored in the capacity database 57. To be equipped.

The process plan defines the execution order of processing by a plurality of processing machines and work by a worker on a plurality of processing machines. For example, the process plan for the first processing machine MC1 is defined as A work by the worker → B processing by the first processing machine MC1 → C work by the worker → D processing by the first processing machine MC1. .. The same applies to the other processing machines MC2-MC8. Since the equipment 1 includes a plurality of processing machines MC1-MC8, the process plan for the entire equipment 1 includes processing for the plurality of processing machines MC1-MC8 in parallel and each processing machine MC1-MC8. The work is planned to be carried out in parallel.

Therefore, when grasping the entire equipment 1, for example, there are cases where the A work should be continuously executed, and there are cases where the A work and the C work should be executed alternately. In addition, there are cases where a plurality of A operations should be performed at the same time. Therefore, the next work candidate extraction unit 58 determines, for example, the next work candidate by the worker at the present time. Then, the next work determination unit 60 determines the next work for a predetermined worker from the next work candidates.

However, in determining the next work, the next work determination unit 60 considers the work capacity stored in the capacity database 57. In the ability database 57, the work ability for each work type is stored for each worker with respect to the plurality of workers and the plurality of work types. For example, the A work may be executed by a plurality of workers, and the C work may be executed only by a specific worker. Such information is stored in the capability database 57.

That is, the next work determination unit 60 determines the next work for a predetermined worker from the next work candidates according to the work ability of the worker. For example, when there are A work that can be executed by a predetermined worker and C work that cannot be performed by a predetermined worker as the work to be performed at present, the predetermined worker is instructed to perform the A work. However, other workers can be instructed to perform the C work. In this way, when the predetermined worker is ready to perform the next work, the predetermined worker is instructed to perform the work that the predetermined worker can perform.

Further, the next work determination unit 60 is based on the work capacity of the execution worker (predetermined worker) and the work capacity of another worker who can work on the equipment 1, and the execution worker (predetermined work). The next work for the person) is decided.

Depending on the work type, multiple workers may be able to do it, but only some of them may be able to do it. For example, it is assumed that the executing worker can perform all the work, and the other workers can perform only a part of the work. When a plurality of next work candidates are determined as the next work candidates, the work cannot be performed by other workers as the next work for the execution worker. In this way, by deciding the next work for the executing worker in consideration of not only the working ability of the executing worker but also the working ability of other workers, it is possible to appropriately give instructions to each worker. it can.

Further, the next work candidate extraction unit 58 extracts a plurality of next work candidates and determines the order of the plurality of next work candidates. Further, the next work decision unit 60 selects the next work candidate in the lower rank from the plurality of next work candidates based on the work ability of the execution worker and the work ability of the other worker, and next to the execution worker. Determine as work.

When a plurality of next work candidates are determined, the next work candidate extraction unit 58 determines the priority of the next work candidates. In this case, the worker usually performs the next work according to the order. However, even if it is in the lower rank, in the case of a specific work, it is set as the next work for the execution worker in consideration of the work ability of other workers. For example, when a work that can be performed only by the execution worker is included in the next work candidate, it can be executed according to the process plan by setting it as the next work for the execution worker even if it is in the lower rank. ..

In addition, the next work determination unit 60 executes the next work candidate in the lower rank from the plurality of next work candidates based on the work ability of the execution worker, the work ability of other workers, and the process plan. It is decided as the next work for the person.

When the next work candidate in the lower rank is the next work for the execution worker, the process plan is considered. When the next work candidate in the upper rank is a work that can be done by another worker and the next work candidate in the lower rank is a work that can be done only by the execution worker, the execution worker performs the next work candidate in the lower rank. When there is a possibility that a delay may occur in the process plan, the execution worker performs the next work candidate even if the next work candidate can be made by another worker. As a result, it can be surely executed according to the process plan.

Further, the next work decision unit 60 ranks lower from a plurality of next work candidates based on the work ability of the execution worker, the work ability of the other worker, the process plan, and the current state of the other worker. The next work candidate of is determined as the next work for the execution worker.

When another worker is currently working, the next work for the executing worker is determined in consideration of whether the work has just started or the time has passed since the work was started. For example, if another worker is about to complete the work, the next work candidate in the higher rank should be performed by the other worker, and the execution worker should perform the next work candidate in the lower rank. .. On the other hand, if it takes time for other workers to complete, the executing worker should perform the next work candidate in the higher rank. As a result, it can be surely executed according to the process plan.

In addition, the management device M includes a work state acquisition unit 55 that acquires work start information and completion information by the worker for each worker. Then, the next work determination unit 60 determines the next work from the next work candidates for the worker who has acquired the work completion information by the work state acquisition unit 55 as the execution worker.

The work instruction function by the management device M determines whether or not the worker is in a state where the next work can be executed based on the work completion information. That is, by instructing the worker who has acquired the work completion information to perform the next work, the predetermined worker can surely execute the next work.

Further, the ability database 57 includes whether or not work is possible as the work ability for each work type for each worker. The next work decision unit can surely decide the next work for the execution worker from the next work candidates.

In addition, the ability database may further include a proficiency level as work ability for each work type for each worker when work is possible. By considering the proficiency level of the worker and deciding from the next work candidates as the next work for the execution worker, the work can be executed according to the process plan.

Further, the process plan storage unit 51 stores a process plan updated according to the states of the plurality of processing machines MC1-MC8 and the work results of the operator with respect to the preset initial process plan. By sequentially updating the process plan according to the situation, it is possible to determine a more effective next work.

Further, the next work determination unit 60 may determine the next work for a worker having a work capacity lower than the standard capacity within a range in which the process plan is not delayed. Regarding a predetermined work type, if the next work is performed on a worker having a work capacity lower than the standard capacity, the next work may be slower than the next work on another worker. However, even if it is delayed, as long as there is no delay in the process plan (for example, within the waiting time until the subsequent process), the work of the predetermined work type can be instructed for the educational purpose of the worker. It is possible to aim to improve the proficiency level of workers.

1: Equipment, 13: Operation panel, 33: Position sensor, 51: Process plan storage unit, 52: Machine status acquisition unit, 53: Execution worker acquisition unit, 54: Position information acquisition unit, 55: Work status acquisition unit, 55a: Work start time estimation unit, 55b: Work completion time estimation unit, 56: Process record storage unit, 57: Capacity database, 58: Next work candidate extraction unit, 59: All worker status acquisition unit, 60: Next work determination Department, 61: Initial process plan acquisition unit, 62: Process plan update unit, 63: Display device, 64: Work type acquisition unit, HP: Home terminal, M: Management device, MC1-MC8: Processing machine, P: Home position , W: Mobile terminal

Claims (7)

It is a work instruction system that targets equipment equipped with a plurality of processing machines and gives work instructions to each of a plurality of workers to the plurality of processing machines.
A process plan storage unit that stores a process plan in which an execution order for processing by the plurality of processing machines and work by a worker on the plurality of processing machines is defined, and
Based on the current state of the plurality of processing machines and the process plan, a plurality of next work candidates performed by the worker are extracted, and a next work candidate extraction unit that determines the order of the plurality of the next work candidates is provided.
An ability database that stores the work capacity of each work type for each worker and multiple work types, and
For each worker, a work status acquisition unit that acquires work start information and completion information by the worker,
Next work determination unit that determines the next work from the next work candidates based on the work ability stored in the ability database for a predetermined worker whose work completion information has been acquired by the work state acquisition unit. When,
A worker status acquisition unit that determines whether the worker is currently working or is in the work completion state, and calculates the estimated time for the worker to complete the instructed work.
With
The next work decision unit
When a worker other than the predetermined worker is working, it is acquired whether the work is to be completed soon based on the predicted time when the other worker completes the work.
When the other worker is in the work completed state, it is acquired that the other worker is in a state where the next work can be started.
The process plan, the work capacity of the predetermined worker, the work capacity of another worker who can work on the equipment, and whether the other worker can start the next work. Based on whether the work inside is ready to be completed
When the other worker is able to work on the next work candidate in the higher rank among the plurality of next work candidates, and the other worker is in the work completed state and is in the work completed state soon. To
A work instruction system that determines a lower-ranked next work candidate from a plurality of the next work candidates as the next work for the predetermined worker. It is a work instruction system that targets equipment equipped with a plurality of processing machines and gives work instructions to each of a plurality of workers to the plurality of processing machines.
A process plan storage unit that stores a process plan in which an execution order for processing by the plurality of processing machines and work by a worker on the plurality of processing machines is defined, and
Based on the current state of the plurality of processing machines and the process plan, a plurality of next work candidates performed by the worker are extracted, and a next work candidate extraction unit that determines the order of the plurality of the next work candidates is provided.
An ability database that stores the work capacity of each work type for each worker and multiple work types, and
For each worker, a work status acquisition unit that acquires work start information and completion information by the worker,
Next work determination unit that determines the next work from the next work candidates based on the work ability stored in the ability database for a predetermined worker whose work completion information has been acquired by the work state acquisition unit. When,
A worker status acquisition unit that determines whether the worker is currently working or is in the work completion state, and calculates the estimated time for the worker to complete the instructed work.
With
The next work decision unit
When a worker other than the predetermined worker is working, it is acquired whether the work is to be completed soon based on the predicted time when the other worker completes the work.
When the other worker is in the work completed state, it is acquired that the other worker is in a state where the next work can be started.
The process plan, the work capacity of the predetermined worker, the work capacity of another worker who can work on the equipment, and whether the other worker can start the next work. Based on whether the work inside is ready to be completed
When the other worker is able to work on the next work candidate in the higher rank among the plurality of next work candidates, and the other worker is in the work completed state and is in the work completed state soon. And
When the process plan is not delayed even if the other worker performs the next work candidate in the higher rank.
A work instruction system that determines a lower-ranked next work candidate from a plurality of the next work candidates as the next work for the predetermined worker. The work instruction system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the worker state acquisition unit calculates the estimated time at which the worker during work completes the instructed work in consideration of the standard work time. The work instruction system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the ability database includes whether or not work is possible as the work ability for each work type for each worker. The work instruction system according to claim 4 , wherein the ability database further includes a proficiency level when work is possible as the work ability for each work type for each worker. The process plan storage unit stores the process plan updated according to the state of the plurality of processing machines and the work performance of the worker with respect to the preset initial process plan, claim 1-5 . The work instruction system described in any one of the items. The work according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the next work determination unit determines the next work for a worker having a work capacity lower than the standard capacity within a range that does not cause a delay in the process plan. Instruction system.

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